U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress and a leading advocate for a robust U.S. foreign policy who traveled extensively to support American allies abroad, died Saturday evening after a "brief and sudden illness," his office said in a statement posted on social media. He was 71.
His office did not provide additional details about the South Carolina Republican's death and said his family "appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
Trump announced Graham's death in a social media post early Sunday.
"Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!" Trump wrote. "He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!"
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., called Graham a dedicated public servant whose military and congressional careers took him around the world.
"My heart is heavy this morning to learn the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham," Thune said. "Lindsey's long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause."
First elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives, Graham, a former Air Force lawyer and Air Force Reserve officer, built a reputation as one of Congress' leading national security hawks. Throughout his Senate career, he championed a strong U.S. military, close alliances with democratic nations and an assertive American role overseas, positions that later put him at odds with the Republican Party's growing isolationist wing.
In recent years, Graham became one of Trump's closest congressional allies. Although he briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and was initially critical of Trump, he forged a close relationship with the president after Trump took office, speaking with him frequently and becoming a regular presence alongside him.
In a 2018 interview with The Associated Press, Graham said the late Sen. John McCain had taught him that public officials have a responsibility to work with a president after an election.
"And I've tried to be helpful where I could because I think he needs all the help he can get," Graham said of Trump. "You can be a better critic when people understand that you're trying to help them be successful."
Although Graham appeared to distance himself from Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, saying, "Count me out. Enough is enough," he later renewed his alliance with the president and remained one of his closest advisers during Trump's second term.
Graham was particularly influential on foreign policy, advising Trump on issues including Iran and Russia. On Friday, he announced an agreement with the administration to advance a package of sanctions targeting Russia. He had recently traveled to Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Graham had visited 10 times since Russia's full-scale invasion.
"Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer," Zelenskyy said.
Graham's international travel made him a familiar figure to world leaders and a frequent representative of U.S. interests overseas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham "a great friend of Israel" and "a cherished friend of mine."
Netanyahu said Graham believed the security of Israel and the United States was inseparable and devoted his career to strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance.
"Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend," Netanyahu said.
At the time of his death, Graham was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, giving him a central role as Republicans advanced major legislation during Trump's second term through the budget reconciliation process.
He previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, overseeing the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020.
Graham also played a leading role in the Senate's bipartisan immigration negotiations in 2013 as a member of the "Gang of Eight," which produced a comprehensive immigration bill that passed the Senate but was not taken up by the House.
His support for a pathway to citizenship for some immigrants living in the United States without legal status drew criticism from some Republicans and occasionally prompted primary challenges in his home state.
Graham won the Republican nomination in June while seeking a fifth Senate term and was scheduled to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November.
In his victory speech last month, Graham told Trump, "I'm going to help you change this world and change this country."
The limited information released about Graham's death came during a period of heightened scrutiny over transparency surrounding lawmakers' health.
Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority. Under South Carolina law, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement who will serve until January.
McMaster called Graham "irreplaceable."
"The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend," McMaster said. "We shall not see his likes again."
Graham was never married and had no children. His closest surviving relative is his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, whom he helped raise after their parents died.